There are reports flying around at the moment about Xbox One users who use Skype and Upload Studio are being banned for swearing for up to 24-hours. I spent a while today trying to find a primary source for why this sort of thing is happening, and I eventually navigated to a post on Reddit.

Reddit user MakVolci detailed their experience with this situation, describing that they made a video using the Xbox One’s Kinect which contained the word “dick” and used multiple swears during a Skype conversation, and were soon banned from using Skype and Upload Studio for 24 hours. They managed to get a hold a Microsoft representative, who told them that they were still in “good standing” and that there are some issues going on with Skype and Upload Studio at the moment. The representative then said that there are “apparently steps being made to reverse the bans.”

During this ban period whenever MakVolci tried to use Skype or Upload Studio again they were met with a notification regarding their “past behaviour.” After a 24-hour period however, both Skype and Upload Studio functionalities were returned to them.

Microsoft’s response was quoted in the Reddit post, saying, “To be clear, the Xbox Live Policy & Enforcement team does not monitor direct peer-to-peer communications like Skype chats and calls."

"Also, we take Code of Conduct moderation via Upload Studio very seriously. We want a clean, safe and fun environment for all users. Excessive profanity as well as other Code of Conduct violations will be enforced upon and result in suspension of some or all privileges on Xbox Live. We remain committed to preserving and promoting a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all of our Xbox Live members.”

There’s currently a forumgoing on over on Xbox.com, discussing this very issue. A number users pointed out that such swears, even minor swears, are an every-day occurrence in certain countries, thus making a lot of Xbox One users being caught out by this consequence. I say a few of what I would call minor swears (like “balls”, bollocks” or “bugger”), and I feel for those of you who have been locked out just by saying words that happen to be swears in your daily vocabulary.

Until Microsoft sorts this out fully I would suggest using more creative words to swear, like “fuggle”. With that being said though, there are some swears that can’t help but be said, like referring to a character or person whose name literally is Dick. Be careful with that one.